High expectations dashed in defeat for Town FC (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

High expectations dashed in defeat for Town FC

HAVING beaten Forest Green Rovers in a mid-week friendly and then blooding two new signings for Saturday's home game, Cirencester Town FC's manager Brian Hughes will doubtless feel disappointed with his team's 4-0 loss against lowly placed Stourport.

On paper at least, Hughes looked to be fielding the strongest squad since he took control at Corinium Stadium, especially with new boys Michael Jackson, from Swansea, and former Cheltenham Town youngster Luke Corbett in his line-up.

As it was, the first half proved a dour encounter with both sides cancelling each other out for long periods.

There were, though, a couple of chances early on. Simon Marsh came close for the visitors with a powerful shot and, for the home side, Michael Jackson's low drive was only just wide of the target.

Just before the break, Cirencester were unlucky not to take the lead. When a Luke Corbett shot was blocked by David Davies, the loose ball fell to Andy McCabe whose rising shot cannoned back off a post.

The second half was only three minutes old when the visitors took the lead, Jan Mulders heading home John Shirley's corner kick.

However, the Centurions seemed unable to find much rhythm to their play and, even when they did break through, they found keeper Robert Clark in commanding form.

In fact, Clark pulled off two fine saves to deny Corbett and Gareth Hopkins. Mid-way through the half, Stourport increased their lead.

Andrew Wright, who had just replaced Richard Ball, laid the perfect pass for Shirley to get beyond the defence to fire home a shot that gave Town keeper Mark Hervin no chance.

The hosts brought on Ben Fitch for James Hughes and his pace immediately caused the visiting defence problems.

From one break down the left, he cut inside to unleash a powerful shot but Clark, at full stretch, managed somehow to tip the ball around a post.

Five minutes before the end, Stourport put the game beyond doubt as Wright battled his way past two defenders before planting the ball wide of the advancing Hervin.

Shortly after, the same player completed the scoring when Shirley found Wright in space and he made no mistake from 12 yards.